Micro-Grant Application Deadline Nears

Northern New Mexico businesses that have an immediate need for money to diversify, sustain or grow revenue, leverage other investments, and/or put systems in place that will lead to growth and create job opportunities have until May 1 at 5:00 pm to submit an application for a grant of $500 to $2,000 from the Regional Development Corporation (RDC). Grants are made on a competitive basis to businesses in RDC’s service area, which is defined as the counties of Santa Fe, Sandoval, San Miguel, Mora, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and Taos.

Continue reading

RDC’s TEAM Fund will Accept Applications Beginning Feb. 15

The Regional Development Corporation, a nonprofit economic development organization, will begin accepting applications for its Technology and Manufacturing (TEAM) Fund on February 15. The application period runs through March 15 at 5:00 pm. Businesses located in the counties of Sandoval, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, San Miguel, Mora, Rio Arriba, and Taos that meet other criteria are eligible if they attend the mandatory information webinar on February 24.

Continue reading

Funds aim to spur growth of six Native American ventures

Bison Star Naturals owners Jacquelene and Angelo McHorse with daughter Judy. Article by Damon Scott.

(note from editor: The RDC now manages the Tribal Economic Diversity Fund, more information here )

Bison Star Naturals is one of six enterprises that shared $60,000 of investment in 2018 as part of the Native American Venture Acceleration Fund program administered by the Regional Development Corporation. NA VAF aims to create jobs by boosting revenue and advancing the business goals of Native American-owned Northern New Mexico companies.

Jacquelene and Angelo McHorse, owners of Bison Star Naturals, sought the funds to launch a line of liquid jojoba and yucca root soap to augment the bar soaps and lotions the business is known for.

“We also are expanding our line to include our unscented lotion,” Jacquelene said. “The funding allows us to release a new product line and expand our current offerings — which are great leaps for our small business.” Continue reading

2020 Campaign Supports, Celebrates Entrepreneurs

By Kathy Keith, Executive Director (center); pictured with RDC team members Monica Abeita and Gail Gordon

By Kathy Keith, Executive Director (center); pictured with RDC team members Monica Abeita and Gail Gordon

The Regional Development Corporation and its partners are launching the 20/20 Campaign to celebrate the entrepreneurs who have started small businesses in Northern New Mexico, creating jobs, driving innovative industries and providing a solid economic base for our communities.

The 20/20 Campaign aims to recognize and support 20 high-growth companies that could potentially grow to double or triple in size within eight years — by 2020 — to become major employers in Northern New Mexico. A handful of businesses every year will be selected by the collaborating partners, which are service providers, economic development organizations, city and county governments and entrepreneurial support organizations from Española, Los Alamos, Santa Fe and Taos. The first crop of 20/20 companies will be announced on October 4th, 2012 during a “Spirit of Innovation” event.

Continue reading